Saratoga Springs it's been too long Jan 2013 PTR..

[jpmom97]

Hi everyone I have been a member here for a while but this will be my first pretrip report! I hope you will enjoy all my plans for our upcoming trip, in 10 months! This time will d r a g but having this to write should help the time go faster. Here is some info about our trip:​

When: January 13-24, 2013
Where: Saratoga Springs Resort (maybe a split stay somewhere?)
Leaving from: PA
How are we getting there: Driving!

This will be our 5th family vacation to Disney World. .

Our Cast:

Me, Jeneen, 35. Lover of all things Disney, you may even call me obsessed. (I'm sure some of you can relate.) Favorite Park: MK Favorite Ride: HM: Favorite Restaurant: All of them. I am a vegan and this will be first time going as a vegan. I will most likely go vegetarian while there. I chose this lifestyle for health reasons so cheating for 2 weeks will be ok. Once in a great while I will cheat and eat fish. I will not eat any land animals though. I am the primary planner for all of our trips along with my co pilot/son Jace. No Disney picture for me b/c I am always the photographer.


DH, George, soon to be 36. He is not a lover of all things Disney. In fact, everytime we go, I hear "this is the last time for a long time" out of him. I think he secretly likes it. I keep telling him, we come for the kids (and me, I leave that part out), he just has to suffer through it. Favorite Park: EPCOT Favorite Ride: TT Favorite Restaurant: Biergarten.

DS Jace, 14. I raised this one right, just like his mom, he loves Disney. He will be helping me plan this entire trip. Helping me with research, spreadsheets. Favorite Park: EPCOT Favorite Ride: TT Favorite Restaurant: CP.



DD Natalie, 9. She loves Disney but not like me and Jace. She is happy she's going though and wouldn't want to be anywhere else. She is a typical girl, loves Princesses, Fairies, Minnie...all the girls. She also loves to have her face painted.


DS George, 6. He is my little thrill seeker. He loves anything fast! Favorite Park: MK Favorite Ride: BTMR and TT Favorite Restaurant: anywhere there are chicken nuggets.


my dad, Joe. He lives in Winter Haven and has an annual pass so he will be coming to the parks with us some days.


And those we leave behind but in good hands.
Grace



Kitty



Bandit and Snickers


And assorted fish.

Thank you for reading so far. Next up, some preliminary plans. Would love thoughts and suggestions

 

[jpmom97]

We have been to Disney 5 times as a family like I mentioned. I have been there 7 times and DH has been there 8 times (funny since he doesn't like it, he's been there the most). We have stayed at Shades of Green (DH is in the Army) (loved it!) Port Orleans River Side (loved it!) then we became DVC members in 2003. Our home resort is SSR so of course we have been home 2 times and...LOVE IT!


My son is SaratogaJace on here, he won't let us stay anywhere else! On our last trip though, we didn't have enough points to stay at SSR so my dad's wife let us use her timeshare at Cypress Point I think it was called.


It was nice but it wasn't Disney. Would I stay there again? Sure, it was free! But we are very thankful that we will be at SSR, hence our title, it's been a long time!

Our dates:
We have been to DW the first 2 weeks of December, the week before Easter (mistake!) and during Spring break (mistake!). I would love to have gone this time during September or October for Halloween but I just got a job and wouldn't be able to save enough money. I have read January is a good time to go, so maybe we will luck out. On our next trip though, it will for sure be along the Halloween timeframe.

Disney sure is pretty during Christmas though...


So what do you think of our dates January 13-24? Do you think this is a good time to go? I'm not worried about weather, if it's cold it will still be nicer than PA weather, even though we have been pretty lucky so far this winter. And also, when we go, no matter December, February or March, it always does this


I am serious, I don't have a photo of this lovely archway without it raining.

 

[DMGeurts]

Am I first????

Hi everyone I have been a member here for a while but this will be my first pretrip report! I hope you will enjoy all my plans for our upcoming trip, in 10 months! This time will d r a g but having this to write should help the time go faster. Here is some info about our trip:​

When: January 13-24, 2013
Where: Saratoga Springs Resort (maybe a split stay somewhere?)
Leaving from: PA
How are we getting there: Driving!

This will be our 5th family vacation to Disney World. .

Our Cast:

Me, Jeneen, 35. Lover of all things Disney, you may even call me obsessed. (I'm sure some of you can relate.) Favorite Park: MK Favorite Ride: HM: Favorite Restaurant: All of them. I am a vegan and this will be first time going as a vegan. I will most likely go vegetarian while there. I chose this lifestyle for health reasons so cheating for 2 weeks will be ok. Once in a great while I will cheat and eat fish. I will not eat any land animals though. I am the primary planner for all of our trips along with my co pilot/son Jace. No Disney picture for me b/c I am always the photographer.

OK... Lots of comments... First - I love your VB bag - I don't see a lot of that particular pattern and it's one of my favorites.

Also, maybe you can enlighten me... My dd (13 y/o) just announced that she is vegetarian... As a family, we are meat eaters, at every meal - and I am just not sure what to do to help her get the nutrition she needs with out eating meat. Especially at this age where she is still growing. Does that make sense?

[DH, George, soon to be 36. He is not a lover of all things Disney. In fact, everytime we go, I hear "this is the last time for a long time" out of him. I think he secretly likes it. I keep telling him, we come for the kids (and me, I leave that part out), he just has to suffer through it. Favorite Park: EPCOT Favorite Ride: TT Favorite Restaurant: Biergarten.

Sounds like my DH (military too)... He can't like Disney, it's not manly. LOL

[DS Jace, 14. I raised this one right, just like his mom, he loves Disney. He will be helping me plan this entire trip. Helping me with research, spreadsheets. Favorite Park: EPCOT Favorite Ride: TT Favorite Restaurant: CP.

DD Natalie, 9. She loves Disney but not like me and Jace. She is happy she's going though and wouldn't want to be anywhere else. She is a typical girl, loves Princesses, Fairies, Minnie...all the girls. She also loves to have her face painted.

DS George, 6. He is my little thrill seeker. He loves anything fast! Favorite Park: MK Favorite Ride: BTMR and TT Favorite Restaurant: anywhere there are chicken nuggets.

my dad, Joe. He lives in Winter Haven and has an annual pass so he will be coming to the parks with us some days.

And those we leave behind but in good hands.
Grace

Kitty

Bandit and Snickers

And assorted fish.

Thank you for reading so far. Next up, some preliminary plans. Would love thoughts and suggestions

The rest of your family is adorable!

We have been to Disney 5 times as a family like I mentioned. I have been there 7 times and DH has been there 8 times (funny since he doesn't like it, he's been there the most). We have stayed at Shades of Green (DH is in the Army) (loved it!) Port Orleans River Side (loved it!) then we became DVC members in 2003. Our home resort is SSR so of course we have been home 2 times and...LOVE IT!


My son is SaratogaJace on here, he won't let us stay anywhere else! On our last trip though, we didn't have enough points to stay at SSR so my dad's wife let us use her timeshare at Cypress Point I think it was called.


It was nice but it wasn't Disney. Would I stay there again? Sure, it was free! But we are very thankful that we will be at SSR, hence our title, it's been a long time!

Our dates:
We have been to DW the first 2 weeks of December, the week before Easter (mistake!) and during Spring break (mistake!). I would love to have gone this time during September or October for Halloween but I just got a job and wouldn't be able to save enough money. I have read January is a good time to go, so maybe we will luck out. On our next trip though, it will for sure be along the Halloween timeframe.

Disney sure is pretty during Christmas though...


So what do you think of our dates January 13-24? Do you think this is a good time to go? I'm not worried about weather, if it's cold it will still be nicer than PA weather, even though we have been pretty lucky so far this winter. And also, when we go, no matter December, February or March, it always does this


I am serious, I don't have a photo of this lovely archway without it raining.

We loved SoG too... I would go back in a heartbeat if FD wasn't cheaper - that and I've always wanted to stay in an actual Disney hotel. Even if I only ever do it once.

We also love WDW at Halloween... I am afraid the crowds are going to ruin this trip, especially since we are used to such "low" crowds... But my girls wanted to do something other than Halloween in Disney - so we are going to try SB once... Betcha $$, they'll be begging for Halloween. LOL

I am looking forward to hearing about more of your trip plans.

D~

 

[jpmom97]

Am I first????



OK... Lots of comments... First - I love your VB bag - I don't see a lot of that particular pattern and it's one of my favorites.

Also, maybe you can enlighten me... My dd (13 y/o) just announced that she is vegetarian... As a family, we are meat eaters, at every meal - and I am just not sure what to do to help her get the nutrition she needs with out eating meat. Especially at this age where she is still growing. Does that make sense?



Sounds like my DH (military too)... He can't like Disney, it's not manly. LOL



The rest of your family is adorable!



We loved SoG too... I would go back in a heartbeat if FD wasn't cheaper - that and I've always wanted to stay in an actual Disney hotel. Even if I only ever do it once.

We also love WDW at Halloween... I am afraid the crowds are going to ruin this trip, especially since we are used to such "low" crowds... But my girls wanted to do something other than Halloween in Disney - so we are going to try SB once... Betcha $$, they'll be begging for Halloween. LOL

I am looking forward to hearing about more of your trip plans.

D~

Yay you are the first!! So excited someone is reading! I was thinking I was boring!

That is so great your daughter is a vegetarian! That is a big step at a young age. My son has tried numerous times but he can't resist chicken LOL. The rest of my family are meat eaters too, I make meat, veggie and starch every meal. For myself I always make a seperate meal which at first was tough but now I am used to it. Also, my husband has started to eat what I eat too b/c some of it is actually tasty! I take a B12 vitamin everyday, also a calcium supplement w/ Vitamin D (but I also have had a hysterectomy, I take it b/c of that). I make sure I eat plenty of beans, whole grains, fruits and veggies. I make a fruit smoothie every morning.

I think you will be fine with the crowds, just utilize that fast pass. We still had a great time on those trips even though it was crowded. I just kept saying "wow, it's so crowded!" . We had gone in March in 2004 but we were with my mom and she was in a wheel chair, we always bypassed the lines, I just never noticed how long they were LOL.

So glad you are following. I feel better putting more of our plans on here!

 

[DMGeurts]

I am sure lots of people are reading (lurking), but not posting. I just talk a lot. LOL

Thanks for the info on some of the things you make for meals. Dh and I do support her, but we've always had this rule that we don't make special dinners for anyone (LOL) - if that makes any sense - Our youngest dd used to be a really picky eater - and DH always said that we eat as a family, so if she does't like what we are having, she has to pick out the stuff she doesn't like. So, when my oldest dd announced that she wanted to try to be a vegetarian, we were fine with it, but again - no special meals are made. So, I just want to make sure that the portion of the meal she is eating, has good quality nutrition for her. Does that make sense? I don't want you to think we are mean people (well, maybe we are - LOL).

Yah - we plan to utilize the FP - the hardest part about that is rumor has it, Disney will now start enforcing FP return times. Which is fine - we never really saved them up - maybe a couple of times, so it shouldn't be too bad. Our biggest strategy right now is getting to Rope Drop every morning... Which might be difficult for little DD... Maybe I can bribe her with coffee or something? ROFL.


D~

 

[jpmom97]

yes, get there at rope drop. We did that then left the parks when it got super crowded, swam a bit, then went back later. My husband is really tall so his fast walk is my sprint, so he would fast walk for FP's. I never knew you could use the FP after the time expired! I can't believe I didn't take advantage of that!! I guess on the bright side, it won't be different for us once the policy changes LOL.

We have the same rule in our house, if you don't like what I make, you can make yourself a bowl of cereal. For myself though, I can't eat the peas or corn with butter or mashed potatos made with milk. Does your daughter like bean burgers? I would keep those on hand, you can just fry one up or bake quick so she has something to replace the meat. It is cooking something different for her but it's not a whole meal and she would be getting her protein and more nutrients. I eat a lot of pasta and veggies, rice and veggies. Sounds like a lot of carbs doesn't it? LOL. But I have lost 20 lbs! Hopefully I can get a new bathing suit before our trip and not feel like I have to wear a cover up the whole time.

 

[jpmom97]

I was able to book 8 days online! I called this morning and added another day. Have to keep calling until I get 11 days. You know what? I think I may add 12, I have the points might as well. The kids will be out of school anyway. SaratogaJace really wanted to do Disney Quest and I didn't think we would be able to fit it in, if I add another day, we will. He is going to be so happy!!

Can't wait!


So I should move onto our itinerary right?

We will be leaving PA either Friday early morning or if I have to work, right after work either afternoon or night. I might ask for a day shift so when the kids get home from school we can just get in the car and go. We drive through the night to my dad's usually getting to him in Winter Haven in the afternoon. I like doing that so the kids sleep and we get some time to talk and listen to the music we like.

We usually stop in Savannah and eat at the Lady and Sons:


then it's off to Dad/Grandpops!:


He lives in a retirment community in Winter Haven. I really like it here. Peaceful and close to shopping.

We will then check in to SSR


Now, do I ask for a certain building? I have never done this. The first time we got Congress Park and a DTD view. Sweet! Second and third time, we got the Paddock. I guess I have stayed there 3 times, how did I miscalculate that? So, do I leave it to chance? We had a nice view on our last stay there in 2009, kind of a DTD view.



But I am sure the kids will be happy anywhere



So we will be arriving Sunday and the next day is MLK so I am thinking this will be a pool day. I am sure the parks will be crowded. Here is how the rest of the week looks.

Sunday Check in
Monday Pool
Tuesday MK (we always start here.)
Wed Epcot
Thursday Islands of Adventure
Friday Animal Kingdom
Saturday Pool
Sunday Disney Quest
Monday DHS
Tuesday Universal
Wed Epcot/MK (always end with MK)
Thursday Checkout

This is looking cramped, maybe I should stay until the 25th.

I was thinking of subsribing to Tour Guide Mike to get some details about which parks to visit each day. Is this worth it?

 

[jpmom97]

I just want to scream! I have tried to write this 4 times and everytime something gets screwed up! Ok, going to calm down and get through this.

My next post will be all about the food! That is my favorite part of everyone's reports.

So here are the places we plan to visit that we have never been to or have not been to in a very long time:


Never been here but I read good reviews.


We have eaten at the one at the Menlo Park Mall in NJ. Jace was 2 and afraid of the animals, hopefully he's gotten over that. I think Georgie will get a kick out of this place.


Had dinner here in 04. I remember liking the food and atmosphere. Jace was 6 and Nat was a year old so they don't remember much. Do we do breakfast or dinner? I was thinking doing dinner the night before we hit the parks? What do you think?


Trying this for lunch, just read it was a character meal, score! From what I have read in other TR's, there are a lot of veggie options here.


Ate here on our honeymoon and in 04 with my parents. Had fun both times. I hope the kids like it.


If my calculations are correct, this should be open when we go. Hoping to go for dinner. I know all the kids would enjoy it but especially Natalie, she really loves this movie.


What trip wouldn't be complete without princesses? This is another favorite for DH's, not b/c of the pretty girls but b/c of the salmon, he ate his weight in salmon last visit.

Must Do's


If you can't tell, it's Ohana! My dad and his wife should be joinging us again for this one. I have really enjoyed the food everytime we visit. We have had one bad experience and that had to do with the service. Everyone has a bad day so we don't hold it against them. I wonder if I will enjoy it as much now that I dont' eat meat?


No trip would be complete and Dh would not come along if we didn't go to Biergarten! Our last name is very German so everytime we go the waitresses ask us if we know what it means (yes we do!). The waitresses also seem to really like my husband. They always talk to him more, giggle at him. On our honeymoon we ate here 3 times. One time I came out of the restroom and could see our table from the doorway. There are 2 waitresses with him at the table, one kneeling, one on the other side of him. Laughing, smiling, dare I say flirting? I come back to the table and make sure I flash my wedding rings b/c obviously they don't see his, they scatter. They don't do that so much now that we walk in with 3 children.


Who doesn't love Pooh, his friends and breakfast lasagna?


Boma! Another family fav and good veggie option (I hope). I think my dad and wife will join us here too.

Maybes

Thinking of doing this the morning we check out (don't really want to think about that.)


or
I have a question, if I eat at one of these places, will I feel like I have eaten authentic Italian food from Italy? We have good Italian American food here. My favorite place is in Bethlehem, PA Mama Nina's, so yummy! What I want is real Italian from Italy food. Will I get this here? If I don't, I can get the same thing cheaper here.


I read mixed reviews here. I thought it would be fun for the kids. We are a family of 5, are there cars to fit us?


I usually take the little ones for tea while George and Jace go to Disney Quest. We always have a good time and the kids really get into it. This time around the little ones are big ones and they want to Disney Quest and the tea. Not sure if we will have time.



I am not sure if we should do the DDP or TIW. I guess we will have to crunch some numbers and see where we make out. I don't mind spending money, I just don't want to waste it.

I am also really open to suggestions. I feel like we eat at the same places and same type of food all the time!

I would also like to thank Flickr and all the pictures that are open to share!

 

[tutti]

Not first on your updates but your plans sound great! I wish we had 12 days to go but with my boyfriends new job we just don't Do you enjoy being a DVC member, We (and by we I mean I) are considering it for the future after we buy our first home. It seems like a great idea especially with all the options to travel outside of Disney too.

I love that your son loves Disney as much as you! You have such a cute family can't wait to read more!

 

[DMGeurts]

It's going to take me forever to comment on your post (that you couldn't get posted... which means I probably won't get my comments commented either) DH decided to upgrade our desktop to Windows 7... So, I am relegated to the laptop - which he just put Windows 7 on yesterday... Which means I am typing on a funky keyboard that I never use, on an OS that I've never used. Anyways... On with the comments.

I just want to scream! I have tried to write this 4 times and everytime something gets screwed up! Ok, going to calm down and get through this.

My next post will be all about the food! That is my favorite part of everyone's reports.

So here are the places we plan to visit that we have never been to or have not been to in a very long time:


Never been here but I read good reviews.

We are planning to eat here for the frist time too... super excited about our first trip to DTD!

We have eaten at the one at the Menlo Park Mall in NJ. Jace was 2 and afraid of the animals, hopefully he's gotten over that. I think Georgie will get a kick out of this place.

We have one at the MOA... We eat there about once a year - IMO the food is meh for what you get and over priced - we will skip it.

Had dinner here in 04. I remember liking the food and atmosphere. Jace was 6 and Nat was a year old so they don't remember much. Do we do breakfast or dinner? I was thinking doing dinner the night before we hit the parks? What do you think?

No CM for us this time... Unless a freak ADR pops up on our last day.

Trying this for lunch, just read it was a character meal, score! From what I have read in other TR's, there are a lot of veggie options here.

We are planning a breakfast and a lunch here - only because I am a huge DOnald fan... I've heard that the character lunch is not all that fabulous - but I haven't read any reviews lately, so we'll see.

Ate here on our honeymoon and in 04 with my parents. Had fun both times. I hope the kids like it.

We ate here on our last trip, and it's a must do on this trip too... the PB&J shake is at the top of my list... I also plan to order Liddy's Pot Roast.

If my calculations are correct, this should be open when we go. Hoping to go for dinner. I know all the kids would enjoy it but especially Natalie, she really loves this movie.

That would be super cool!

What trip wouldn't be complete without princesses? This is another favorite for DH's, not b/c of the pretty girls but b/c of the salmon, he ate his weight in salmon last visit.

We have not eaten here either.

Must Do's

If you can't tell, it's Ohana! My dad and his wife should be joinging us again for this one. I have really enjoyed the food everytime we visit. We have had one bad experience and that had to do with the service. Everyone has a bad day so we don't hold it against them. I wonder if I will enjoy it as much now that I dont' eat meat?

We had breakfast here last time, this time we are trying dinner... Really looking forward to it.

No trip would be complete and Dh would not come along if we didn't go to Biergarten! Our last name is very German so everytime we go the waitresses ask us if we know what it means (yes we do!). The waitresses also seem to really like my husband. They always talk to him more, giggle at him. On our honeymoon we ate here 3 times. One time I came out of the restroom and could see our table from the doorway. There are 2 waitresses with him at the table, one kneeling, one on the other side of him. Laughing, smiling, dare I say flirting? I come back to the table and make sure I flash my wedding rings b/c obviously they don't see his, they scatter. They don't do that so much now that we walk in with 3 children.

ROFL... Yah, I am sure he doesn't get many looks now.

Who doesn't love Pooh, his friends and breakfast lasagna?

Yup - doing this one too... Did it last time, the girls love it - so it's on their must do list. I think everything we did last timeis on their must do list. LOL

Boma! Another family fav and good veggie option (I hope). I think my dad and wife will join us here too.

We are also trying dinner here for the first time - we are really looking forward to eating here - I've heard good and bad, but we are not picky and somewhat adventurous - so I am sure it will be wonderful - if only for the atmosphere.

Maybes

Thinking of doing this the morning we check out (don't really want to think about that.)


or
I have a question, if I eat at one of these places, will I feel like I have eaten authentic Italian food from Italy? We have good Italian American food here. My favorite place is in Bethlehem, PA Mama Nina's, so yummy! What I want is real Italian from Italy food. Will I get this here? If I don't, I can get the same thing cheaper here.


I read mixed reviews here. I thought it would be fun for the kids. We are a family of 5, are there cars to fit us?


I usually take the little ones for tea while George and Jace go to Disney Quest. We always have a good time and the kids really get into it. This time around the little ones are big ones and they want to Disney Quest and the tea. Not sure if we will have time.



I am not sure if we should do the DDP or TIW. I guess we will have to crunch some numbers and see where we make out. I don't mind spending money, I just don't want to waste it.

I am also really open to suggestions. I feel like we eat at the same places and same type of food all the time!

I would also like to thank Flickr and all the pictures that are open to share!

Not sure about the other restaurants - we haven't eaten at any of them. We are doing the DDP for the first time this trip and I am really looking forward to having a lot of great meals that are paid for in advance.

D~

 

[aboveH20]

The title of your PTR caught my eye. Last year I was given the choice of a free upgrade to Saratoga Springs or Old Key West. I live in Saratoga county and worked at the race track one summer so I didn't know if going to Saratoga Springs would seem like a vacation or not. It looks like a beautiful resort!

You've got some great dinners planned. You have a few of my favorites and a few I've got to try one of these days.

What's the story of the car in the background of your photo? My father restored a 1930 Model A roadster (convertible) which my brother now has. It used to be fun to ride around in the rumble seat.

 

[jpmom97]

Not first on your updates but your plans sound great! I wish we had 12 days to go but with my boyfriends new job we just don't Do you enjoy being a DVC member, We (and by we I mean I) are considering it for the future after we buy our first home. It seems like a great idea especially with all the options to travel outside of Disney too.

I love that your son loves Disney as much as you! You have such a cute family can't wait to read more!

Thank you so much! We love being DVC members! If we didn't have it, we would never go anywhere. It forces us to go on vacation which we need every so often. I have never used it anywhere else but I do like that we have the option to do so. Like I mentioned DH isn't a Disney fan so I promised him next time we have our points we will do the cruise. He seems to think he likes cruises even though he's never been on one . Plus it's a win/win cruise for him, Disney for the rest of us. My son is already planning to become a member when he gradutes college and gets a job, that's my boy

 

[jpmom97]

It's going to take me forever to comment on your post (that you couldn't get posted... which means I probably won't get my comments commented either) DH decided to upgrade our desktop to Windows 7... So, I am relegated to the laptop - which he just put Windows 7 on yesterday... Which means I am typing on a funky keyboard that I never use, on an OS that I've never used. Anyways... On with the comments.




We are planning to eat here for the frist time too... super excited about our first trip to DTD!

Jace and I already know what we want to eat! Roastbeef for him, Tomato caprese for me!

We have one at the MOA... We eat there about once a year - IMO the food is meh for what you get and over priced - we will skip it.

Hmm...have you ever been to T Rex? I thought they looked kind of similiar but maybe the food is better? If it's not that great maybe we should skip it too and try somehwere else DTD.

No CM for us this time... Unless a freak ADR pops up on our last day.

Same thing happened to us last year. I called, couldn't get it but I never called back to check to see if it opened.

We are planning a breakfast and a lunch here - only because I am a huge DOnald fan... I've heard that the character lunch is not all that fabulous - but I haven't read any reviews lately, so we'll see.

Georgie loves Donald too, I picked a good one!

We ate here on our last trip, and it's a must do on this trip too... the PB&J shake is at the top of my list... I also plan to order Liddy's Pot Roast.

Jace is a shake kind of guy. He said he's getting a shake and burger b/c that's what they ate in the 50's

That would be super cool!

I hope it's open!

We have not eaten here either.

Must Do's



We had breakfast here last time, this time we are trying dinner... Really looking forward to it.

I think you will really like it.

ROFL... Yah, I am sure he doesn't get many looks now.



Yup - doing this one too... Did it last time, the girls love it - so it's on their must do list. I think everything we did last timeis on their must do list. LOL



We are also trying dinner here for the first time - we are really looking forward to eating here - I've heard good and bad, but we are not picky and somewhat adventurous - so I am sure it will be wonderful - if only for the atmosphere.



Not sure about the other restaurants - we haven't eaten at any of them. We are doing the DDP for the first time this trip and I am really looking forward to having a lot of great meals that are paid for in advance.

D~

 

[jpmom97]

I double posted oops!

 

[jpmom97]

The title of your PTR caught my eye. Last year I was given the choice of a free upgrade to Saratoga Springs or Old Key West. I live in Saratoga county and worked at the race track one summer so I didn't know if going to Saratoga Springs would seem like a vacation or not. It looks like a beautiful resort!

You've got some great dinners planned. You have a few of my favorites and a few I've got to try one of these days.

What's the story of the car in the background of your photo? My father restored a 1930 Model A roadster (convertible) which my brother now has. It used to be fun to ride around in the rumble seat.

I think you would love SSR! It's really beautiful. We never consider the Wilderness Lodge for the same reasons as you, we live near a Great Wolf and visited a few times, they look very similiar to each other.

My husband is a big history buff so we joined the Lehigh Valley Historical Society. Once a month they have special events and in September it was antique and classic cars. Right up DH's alley, he loves to rebuild cars when he can (also hit and miss engines). He is working on a CJ7 right now. Also, little George is always on the hunt to meet Stanley from Cars. So when he saw this car, even though it's not Stanley, he had to get his picture taken with it.

We went to another car show in the summer, found some Stanley look alikes.


I know he would love to ride around in one. Maybe one day we can find someone to take him for a ride. I wish my husband would restore something nice like that. Instead it's Jeeps and Dodge trucks LOL.

 

[jpmom97]

I have just finished booking our trip!!!

I have been calling now everyday for the past 4 or 5 days and now I'm done! I even forgot to call yesterday, we went to Staten Island to visit my new baby cousin. By the time we got home it was too late to call. I was cleaning this morning and it hit me, have to call for that last day!!

So now we are at 12 nights, dedicated 2 bedroom at Saratoga Springs.



OUr dates are now Jan 13-25. This will change our itinerary around a bit and also add 2 days of the dining plan so we will have more restaurants to visit.

What is your favorite restaurant at Disney? CS or TS, it doesn't matter. Is there a place you would like to try but haven't yet?

If I had to pick one place to eat while we were there, it would be Crystal Palace. I think it's so pretty, the food is good, love the characters and it's right in the MK. One place I would like to try is the California Grill. Maybe I can swing this on our trip for DH and I.

 

[jpmom97]

What is the restaurant that is inside the pyramid in Mexico? Jace and I are trying to redo our meal plan. I didn't realize MLK was the 21st, why did I think it was the 14? Changing around our days and restaurants, will post when we work it through.

 

[DMGeurts]

I believe it's the San Angel Inn?

D~

 

[jpmom97]

Thank you, I was getting confused with the La Hacienda and San Angel Inn. We have 1 more TS to add to the plan, not sure where to go. On our short list is San Angel Inn, Raglan Rd, House of Blues and T Rex. Took out Rainforest Cafe, I can always take the family to the one in NJ. Also took out one of the Italian places.

Also changed our itinerary which I will go over tomorrow when the house is quiet and I can think. When I sit on the computer and read the boards my kids are like moths to flames and I have no room to move.

 

[DMGeurts]

I am anxious to hear about your revised plans!

LOL about the kids... I just can't stand when they are reading over my shoulder as I am typing - drives me crazy. LOL

D~